I'm 14-years-old, 5'5", and 169 pounds. I've tried to lose weight, but can't. I know you're not supposed to diet, but I need to. Any suggestions?"

Christina

Christina,

If you have made an effort to move your body more and eat a little less and it isn't working for you, then I would suggest talking to your mom and your doctor to see if there might be anything else impacting your metabolism (sometimes it could be your thyroid). You also have to take a look at genetics — what do people in your family look like? Maybe this weight is on par for your body type and family background? There is no univeral weight for everyone to weigh.

Look more at your habits. Are you really choosing healthy foods and moving your body in ways that make you sweat? A modified meal plan needs an excercise plan to go with it if you want to see pounds go away in a healthy way. Don't do anything extreme — ask for more help from your mom or a doctor, and just know that at your age it is totally normal for your body to hold onto extra wright as it navigates itself through puberty.